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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Colonial Downs has filed a lawsuit challenging a new law that lets the Virginia Racing Commission control which horsemen’s group can conduct thoroughbred racing at the track.

The complaint was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Richmond. It says a 1978 federal law supersedes a 2015 amendment to the state’s horse-racing statute.

Lawmakers approved the amendment amid an impasse between Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. The dispute resulted in closure of the track and seven off-track betting facilities. Colonial Downs surrendered its unlimited license.

The track now wants a limited license and a contract with the Old Dominion Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association that would allow four race days in 2016. The commission has not acted on the application.

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